He said that diversity was “the future” but added that traditional offerings such as Songs of Praise were still “loved” in the corporation.

“So no multifaith Songs of Praise,” he said.

“It will, whilst I am in the job, remain a Christian programme.

“And it can remain so because on Sunday mornings be it on TV and radio we have real religious, cultural and intellectual diversity available through Sunday on Radio 4 and The Big Questions on BBC 1.”

His remarks follow an outcry over suggestions that by a Sikh executive producer, that there was “no reason” it could not explore other faiths.

Mr Ahmed said that although the average age of Songs of Praise viewers was now 65 it was still drawing in huge audiences.

“No channel controller will say ‘no’ to programmes that win major awards, get

shortlisted for said awards, get great press and in general make their

channel stand out for the right reasons.

“This doesn’t mean shock tactics or sensationalism – Songs of Praise on the BBC is a weekly Christian music and faith show.

“Last year it celebrated its 50th anniversary. Why? Because people still like it, the team work hard to make it feel fresh after such a long run and what channel controller doesn’t want a few million committed viewers every week.

“If the viewers fall drastically then a controller may fall out of love with it but it’s our job to ensure that never happens, even after 50 years we must innovate and make sure everyone stays in love with it. And I am happy to say that people still are – in and out of the BBC.”